On October 2, 2012, Governor Shumlin signed Executive Order 10-12, convening a 5 member energy-siting commission whose appointees were subsequently selected by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Service, Liz Miller. The Commission’s charge is to prepare a written report by April 30, 2013 regarding best practices for approval and public participation in the siting of electric generation facilities. Excepting net metered projects, the Commission’s report will address siting of electric generation facilities generally.
The Governor has specifically requested that the Commission recommend changes in the current scheme to be implemented through legislation or Public Service Board Rule to meet the goals it identifies in its report. In developing its report, the Commission will compare, review, analyze, and consider the procedures that other states—with specific emphasis on New England states—engage in to site new electric generation facilities. Among other things, the Commission will specifically look at opportunities in Vermont for public participation in the siting process at the local and regional levels, comparing those opportunities with other states; review ADR processes for facility siting in other states; analyze best practices for monitoring environmental impacts of approved and built facilities going forward; address whether Vermont’s criteria for siting approval adequately protect Vermont’s environmental and cultural resources; and consider whether generic siting guidelines should be developed on a technology-by-technology basis.
Liz Miller, in addition to being an ex officio Commission member along with the Secretary of ANR, tapped 5 individuals with diverse backgrounds for the group:
- Gaye Symington, former Speaker of the Vermont House and current Executive Director of the High Meadows Fund
- Jan Eastman, former ANR Secretary
- Jim Matteau, former Director of the Windham Regional Commission
- Louise McCarren, former Public Service Board Chair
- Scott Johnstone, former ANR Secretary and current Executive Director of the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
The Commission will have open doors, seeking public input throughout the process, and “may request the assistance or advice of any stakeholder or expert individuals with interests in electric generation siting.” More info can be had here. For some interesting takes on the Commission, check out this Seven Days Article and this Free Press Article. To submit a public comment to the Commission, click here. The Commission will have its first information session on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 from 12-3 p.m. in Room 11 of the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier, Vermont.
